Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that the Interior Ministry has imposed ban on speeches of Indian Zakireen, Shia Ulema in Pakistan during the month of Muharram-ul-Harram. "Zakireen, Ulema and scholars hailing from India would not be allowed to make public speeches as I have already taken people at the helm of affairs into confidence", Malik said while talking to media here on Friday.
He also urged Ulema belonging to Sunni school of thoughts to cooperate with establishing of mourning gatherings and processions so that no untoward incident like that of Saeen Butta imambargah could be repeated again in future. Rehman Malik also informed that he had requested people to reduce the number of procession and majalis to be held in the memory of Karbala, so that government could better manage its security.
Malik again called upon Afghanistan to take measures for the immediate end of cross border terrorism, saying that despite heavy deployment of foreign troops Afghan government has failed to curb terrorism and block the movement of terrorists and armaments to Pakistan.
"We have shown our commitment for eradication of terrorism and armed forces of Pakistan with support of masses have crushed the terrorists in Malakand and Waziristan", Malik said. Malik urged the nation to promote religious harmony and unity among their ranks to discourage extremism during the sacred month of Moharram-ul-Harram.
"I hope that all the countrymen should stand united to foil nefarious designs of terrorists, who are pitting innocent youngsters against their own Muslim brothers", he said. Terming the extremists as enemy of Islam and the country, he said all religious sections of the society should maintain unity and discipline among their ranks.
"Foiling the suicide attack in Shakrial by a policeman on one hand show the commitment of law enforcement agencies against terrorism, while on the other it has saved hundreds of lives", Interior Minister said, adding that the brave police Constable Ittefaq, who foiled the terror bid has been promoted to the rank of ASI.